Phage-displayed peptides that mimic aflatoxin B1 in serological reactivity

Aims: To test phage-displayed random peptide libraries as sources of peptides that mimic the binding of aflatoxin B1 to monoclonal antibodies raised against the toxin. Methods and Results: For two of the three MAbs tested, clones were obtained by panning, producing phage that bound specifically to MAb 13D1-1D9 (MAb 24; specific for aflatoxins B1 and G1) and MAb 6E12-1E9 (MAb 13; specific for aflatoxins B1, G1 and B2) in ELISA. The amino acid sequences of the binding peptides varied. Those binding to MAb 24 contained the sequence of '...YMD...', and those that bound to MAb 13 contained the dipeptide 'PW'. Mimotope phage was used in a competition ELISA format for assaying aflatoxin concentrations. Conclusions: The results show that mimotope preparations are effective substitutes for pure toxin in these ELISA procedures. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results should contribute significantly to enhancing the safety and diminishing the costs of aflatoxin assays.